‘Losers’ no more as UE deals La Salle first setback in Filoil Flying V

Filoil Flying V Sports facebook photo

MANILA, Philippines – University of the East to put the only blemish on La Salle’s record so far, chalking up a 60-53 triumph on Saturday in the 2013 Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan.

While both teams struggled to pick it up offensively as neither managed to churn out more than 13 in the second and third quarters, the Red Warriors found the needed push to peel away.

“You have to credit it to the players. They used to be losers, but now, in their own sense, they’re winners. Though its just the pre-season, it’s a big win for us, we have everything to gain,” said head coach Boyzie Zamar.

UE broke off from a 46-all deadlock over five minutes left to play, starting with a bucket by Roi Sumang — who was once again the spark — and a triple by Jay-ar Sumido, and the Red Warriors kept rolling from there.

It also helped UE’s cause when it pestered La Salle into commiting 28 turnovers, and then clamping down on the Green Archers on the break.

But after the lead has been pushed the lead to six, Jeron Teng conjured the next four points for the Green Archers before a triple by Gab Reyes countered a nifty slash move by Chris Javier.

That was the last time La Salle would score, though, after inching in, 53-54, with 1:05 left as Sumang, UE’s explosive guard, canned two tough jumpers in the next 40 seconds to seal the win.

Sumang, scoreless in the third quarter, scored half of his total 12 points when the Red Warriors needed it most. Charles Mammie had a game-best 13 points.

“And they’re back on their feet, they’re ready to fight again just like a real warriors,” said Zamar, whose arrival in UE has injected a new mindset.

The Red Warriors barged into the quarterfinals of Group B, while the Green Archers — whose five game winning streak was snapped — will have to earn more wins to advance.

Norbert Torres was the lone player from the La salle who finished in double-digits points with 12 as Jeron Teng only finished with eight on 5-of-13 shooting.